The treatment focus in this stage is to promote the recognition of alcolism or drug dependency and acceptance of unmanageability of one's own life. This implies that the patient become aware of dishonesty with self and others.
During this stage the courage is prompted to acknowledge the need to change past behaviour and attitudes. The patient is assisted to realize that (s)he is able to change (some patients have lost hope by the time they reach treatment). The programme is provided as a vehicle for change.
When the patient reaches this stage he/she is ready to make a commitment to change. The patient is assisted to observe his/her behaviour and to identify how it is changing. This helps the patient to create a self-sustaining process of change that can continue even after the completion of formal treatment.
During this stage the patient is required to prepare a detailed written list of specific personal positive and negative characteristics relating to past behaviour. The patient is also helped to start looking at his/her family dynamics and how they can reintegrate into their family. This is done in conjunction with them honestly looking at their list of behaviours so that they can see the impact they have had on their family.
Now that the patient has created a detailed list of his/her personal characteristics they are ready to move forward to this stage. The patient is required to prepare for a personal in-depth interview with another person. The aim of this interview is to explore with another person the deficits and assets that have been uncovered in the list. This has the effect of helping the patient to form a trusting relationship with another human being, and to close the door on the pseudo-relationship (s)he may have had with the substance. Following this interview the patient is provided with a detailed relapse prevention worksheet to complete which reinforces the commitment to change and identifies potential future pitfalls.
The last stage of treatment is to plan for the patients reintegration to their community of origin. This may involve putting them in touch with local resources, finding 12 step support groups, or similar. The aim is to ensure that the patient returns to their community in a position where they have support, a plan of action, and realistic expectations of how they will be able to function as members of society. In many cases their loved ones will put in place a contract which governs what is expected of the patient upon their return. Conditions such as regular attendance at 12 step fellowship meetings, curfew times, adherance to medication regimes, breaking contact with friends associated with substance abuse, and so forth are all common in these contracts. |
Minnesota House offers the following Addiction treatment plans:
